Attempted Monopolization: Key Elements and Legal Insights

Q: Can a business be sued for attempted monopolization?

Yes, if there is evidence of intent to harm competition and engage in predatory practices, a business can be sued.

Q: What should I do if I suspect attempted monopolization?

Document any evidence and consider consulting a legal professional to discuss your options.

Definition & Meaning

Attempted monopolization refers to actions taken by a person or business to gain control over a market, with the goal of monopolizing that market. This term is often used in antitrust law to describe efforts that may not have succeeded yet but pose a significant threat to competition. Key components of attempted monopolization include:

A specific intent to control prices in the market.
An intention to eliminate or harm competition.
Engagement in predatory or anticompetitive behavior.
A dangerous likelihood of achieving monopoly power.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

Attempted monopolization is primarily relevant in antitrust law, which aims to promote fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices. This term is often encountered in civil litigation involving competition disputes, where businesses may claim that a competitor is engaging in unfair practices to undermine market competition. Users can manage related legal matters using templates from US Legal Forms, which provide resources for drafting necessary documents.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A large tech company aggressively lowers its prices on a new product to drive smaller competitors out of the market, with the intent of raising prices once they have eliminated competition. (hypothetical example)

Example 2: A pharmaceutical company engages in practices that prevent generic drugs from entering the market, thereby maintaining high prices and limiting consumer choices. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Key Differences
Monopolization	The actual control of a market by one entity.	Attempted monopolization refers to efforts that have not yet succeeded.
Conspiracy to monopolize	Collusion between two or more parties to achieve monopoly status.	Attempted monopolization involves a single party's efforts, while conspiracy involves multiple parties.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you are a victim of attempted monopolization, consider documenting any relevant evidence of predatory practices. You may want to consult with a legal professional to explore your options. Additionally, US Legal Forms offers templates that can help you draft necessary legal documents to address your situation.

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Quick facts

Typical fees: Varies based on legal representation.
Jurisdiction: Federal and state courts.
Possible penalties: Damages awarded to affected parties, including potential punitive damages.